A day for veterans
A personal note: For the past three years, anything and everything having to do with the American military - especially the US Army - has been influenced by my understanding of the events surrounding the death in Iraq of Pfc. LaVena Johnson. But there is more involved, for me and for all of us.
“Gender based violence?”
Gregg Reese, contributor to the Los Angeles-based Our Weekly, examines the case of PFC LaVena Johnson and the issue of ‘non-combat related deaths.’ Reese notes the similarly-suspicious death of PFC Tina Priest of Texas.
Deaths awaiting answers
Though the Army's stonewalling in the case of PFC LaVena Johnson is a particular focus of this site, the military's similar handling of other deaths will not be overlooked here. Today, a recounting of the as-yet-unresolved case of Air Force Colonel Philip Shue.
“Army Strong”
The familiar advertising slogan of the United States Army, broadcast far and wide on television, on radio, and online, rings hollow in the case of LaVena Johnson and the military's refusal to revisit the investigation of her death in Iraq. The question here is: Strength for what?
NPR’s Tell Me More highlights LaVena’s story
"Soldier's Family Challenges Army Suicide Report": LaVena's father, Dr. John Johnson, and retired colonel Ann Wright are interviewed by Michel Martin, host of the NPR program Tell Me More. The interview, taped for the program's "Behind Closed Doors" segment, is available for listening on the NPR website.
The Jim Bohannon Show visits LaVena’s case
Talk show host Jim Bohannon interviewed LaVena's parents on September 8. Also on the program was talk show host Coz Carson, who has previously covered the LaVena Johnson case. The program was heard over Westwood One, and is still available as a podcast.
Appeal to Rep. Henry Waxman and the House Oversight Committee
ColorofChange.org calls on Representative Henry Waxman to hold hearings to investigate LaVena's death and the Army's cover-up. Their petition now stands at over 52,000 signatures.
